----Source: Thorp Courier October 31, 2001

Michael Drinka

Michael John Drinka, 49, of Neillsville, WI passed away on October 16, 2001 at the House of the Dove in Marshfield. Funeral services were held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Neillsville, with Father Woodrow Pace officiating. He was laid to rest at Columbia Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Richard, Donald and James Drinka, Mark Welniak, Craig Jakobi, and Clyde Schultz.

Mike was born March 16, 1952, at Medford, to John and Norma (Murphy) Drinka. Mike is survived by his wife, Barbara Drinka, two sons: Brian (Melissa) Drinka and Shawn (Lisa) Drinka, all of Neillsville; his daughter Jill (Steven) Anderson of Owen; four step-children; Roger, Roy, Paige and Kristen Jablonsky, all of Neillsville; and four grandchildren: Stephanie Dominic, Tim and Dakota.

He is survived by his sisters and brothers: Susan Nelson of Chili; Peggy Drinka-Koltis of Thorp; Mildred (Randy) Rolfs of Taylorsville, NC; Sandy (Mark) Welniak, Katherine Drinka, both of Marshfield; Gerald (Belinda) Drinka of Albuquerque, NM; James (Julie) Drinka of Neillsville; Donald (Lori) Drinka of Colbly; and Richard (Kathleen) Drinka of Marshfield. And many nieces and nephews.

He was pre-deceased by his mother, in 1968, his brother Robert in 1990, and his father in 1992.

He was employed at Nelson Filter for 28 years in Neillsville. He took a medical leave in August 2001.

Mike will be greatly missed by his family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.